Japan's fiscal 2025 (Reiwa 7) regional minimum wage revision — national weighted average of 1,121 yen (up 66 yen)
Source material is a Japanese government announcement (in Japanese); this page is a summary.
In Japan's fiscal 2025 (Reiwa 7) recommendations on revising regional minimum wages, the national weighted average of the revised amounts was set at 1,121 yen (up from 1,055 yen the previous year).
Key facts
| National weighted average | 1,121 yen (previous year: 1,055 yen) |
|---|---|
| Increase (national weighted average) | 66 yen — the largest since the 'guideline' (meyasu) system began in fiscal 1978 (Showa 53) |
| Range of increases | Rises of 63 yen to 82 yen across the 47 prefectures |
| When it takes effect | Due to take effect in sequence between 1 October 2025 (Reiwa 7) and 31 March 2026 (Reiwa 8) |
| Regional gap | Highest 1,226 yen, lowest 1,023 yen — a ratio of 83.4% (improving for the 11th year in a row) |
| Decision process | Decided by the prefectural labour bureau director after the objection procedure at the prefectural labour bureau |
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In the fiscal 2025 (Reiwa 7) recommendations on revising regional minimum wages, the national weighted average of the revised amounts is 1,121 yen, up 66 yen from the previous year (1,055 yen). A 66 yen rise in the national weighted average is the largest since the 'guideline' (meyasu) system began in fiscal 1978 (Showa 53), and all 47 prefectures saw rises of between 63 yen and 82 yen. The ratio of the lowest amount (1,023 yen) to the highest (1,226 yen) is 83.4%, an improvement for the 11th year in a row. The recommended revised amounts are due to take effect in sequence between 1 October 2025 (Reiwa 7) and 31 March 2026 (Reiwa 8), by decision of each prefectural labour bureau director after the objection procedure for the labour and management sides at the prefectural labour bureaux.
Background — why this change
The recommended revised amounts take effect by decision of each prefectural labour bureau director, after the procedure at the prefectural labour bureaux for objections from the labour and management sides concerned.
Summaries below are factual notes based on government announcements and primary sources — not evaluations or opinions.
Summaries reflect national-level programs. Municipal (city/ward/town) programs may differ — confirm with the official desk before applying.
FAQ
When does the revised minimum wage apply?
The recommended revised amounts are due to take effect in sequence between 1 October 2025 (Reiwa 7) and 31 March 2026 (Reiwa 8), by decision of each prefectural labour bureau director after the objection procedure at the prefectural labour bureau. The date can differ from prefecture to prefecture.
How much did the national weighted average rise?
The national weighted average of the revised amounts is 1,121 yen, up 66 yen from 1,055 yen the previous year. That 66 yen rise is the largest since the 'guideline' (meyasu) system began in fiscal 1978 (Showa 53).
Does the size of the rise differ by prefecture?
Yes. All 47 prefectures saw rises of between 63 yen and 82 yen. The highest amount is 1,226 yen and the lowest is 1,023 yen, giving a ratio of lowest to highest of 83.4%.